International Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences Vol. 1 (6), pp. 122-129 June 2013 ISSN 2327-719X ©2013 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The causes, effects and potential solutions to the deep-rooted Niger Delta oil crisis

Onwubiko Onyemaechi Frederick Jnr.*, Azizan Asmuni, Khairuddin Idris and Jamilah Othman

Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS), Putra Infopost, University Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia

*Corresponding author. E-mail: freddy_biko99@yahoo.com.

Accepted 22 May, 2013

Abstract

Oil spillage and gas flaring by the oil industry has devastated the Niger Delta for more than half a century. Oil pollution causes both immediate damage and long-term harm to fish, agricultural lands and the health of the living environment. The exploitation of oil and gas in the Niger Delta of Nigeria resulted to impoverishment, conflict, human rights abuses and despair to the majority of the people rather than development. The impact of the crises continuously affects oil and gas operators leaving the area unsafe and endangers the lives of workers and assets. This study tends to capture experiences from the events so as to prevent further deterioration of law, peace and order in the region. To provide a long lasting solution to the deep-rooted crises, the present study identified the root causes of the Niger Delta crisis, the trend of escalation, and the management strategies that were engaged along with their impact and recommended appropriate management approaches to prevent further deterioration of the situation and to restore peace in the areas.

Key words: Niger Delta, oil production, conflict, oil crisis, crisis management.